After the war ended, Sarah, having defeated the demon queen, took the young boy left in her care to a shelter. There, amidst the injured soldiers, she laid him on a bed and began to tend to her own wounds with the assistance of an elf girl.

"Do you really think we should keep this from Captain Brown?" the elf girl asked Sarah hesitantly, her concern evident.

"I don't want anyone to learn about the boy's situation. If the captain or any other member of the Seven Pillars finds out, they'll surely try to eliminate him too," Sarah replied with a grave tone.

"I understand, but what shall we say to Captain Brown if he inquires about him?" the elf girl pressed for an answer.

"I'm not sure, but I promised his mother I would care for him as if he were my own child," Sarah declared with determination.

"I don't understand why the demon queen entrusted you with this. She isn't even his real mother," the elf remarked.

"I... I looked into her eyes when she implored me to care for him," Sarah said, glancing toward the peacefully sleeping boy. "Though she may not be his real mother, I saw in her eyes the warmth and sorrow of a mother who longs for her child to thrive. As a mother myself, I couldn't deny her final wish."

"But, Sarah, you know she's the one who killed Max... I'm not suggesting we abandon the child, but if you take him in, the kingdom will eventually find out, and they'll think you've betrayed them," the elf lady cautioned.

"I'm aware of that! I haven't forgotten what she did to Max, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to take a child's life... Ela, please, I need you to help me keep this secret from Captain Brown and our king," Sarah implored.

As they conversed, a guard approached and announced, "Hero Sarah and Miss Ela, Captain Brown is summoning you to his office; he wishes to meet with you."

"Captain Brown, but why?" Ela inquired, her voice tinged with concern.

"I'm not certain, ma'am, but they've requested your presence immediately," the guard replied with a sense of urgency.

"Understood," Sarah responded as she rose from her chair. "I'd prefer to tend to my wounds first, but we cannot keep the Captain waiting. Let's proceed, Ela." With a determined stride, Sarah instructed the medic to care for Shirou, who was slumbering peacefully, and then she and Ela made their way to the Captain's tent.

Ela harbored a slight unease about the abrupt summons, but Sarah appeared unfazed. Her resolve to fulfill her vow to Eliza, the demon queen, was unshakable.

Upon their arrival, a robust voice greeted them. "Welcome, Ela, and the valiant Sarah! I am overjoyed to see you both in fine fettle, save for a few injuries, hahaha," he chuckled heartily.

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"Captain Brown, what prompts this sudden call? Is there an issue?" Sarah inquired.

"Well, well, perhaps you haven't changed at all, Sarah. Why not indulge in some light-hearted banter, as fellow members of the Seven Pillars?" he suggested, his smile brimming with vitality.

"As you're aware, my sole reason for joining was to avenge Max, who died in the war. Nothing more," Sarah declared.

"Hey, Sarah, you can't address the Captain in such a manner!" Ela chided, her worry evident as Captain Brown held a rank above all other Pillars.

"Fret not, Ela. I empathize with a woman who has lost her beloved in the conflict. This war was never meant for you, yet now, who can say? Perhaps you will be the one to bring it to an end," Captain Brown mused.

"Let's cut to the chase. I have other matters to attend to," Sarah retorted, her annoyance palpable, while Ela fretted over the potential consequences of such rudeness.

"Ah... my apologies. So, I would like you, Sarah, to become the Knight Commander of the kingdom and train the new recruits. And Ela, you may serve as a magician to the Kingdom," Captain Brown proposed, leaning forward with his hands planted firmly on the table.

Just as Sarah was about to respond, a guard burst in, panting from haste.

"Forgive the interruption, sir, but there's a young boy with white hair and crimson eyes causing a commotion in the health shelter tent," he reported, his voice quivering with fear.

Upon hearing this, Sarah dashed toward the health shelter tent, concerned that Shirou might draw unwanted attention. Ela followed close behind, her anxiety mounting.

They arrived to find the boy had already bested several guards, all lying injured. As one guard attempted to apprehend him forcefully, the boy's agility allowed him to dodge and deliver a cyclone kick, rendering the guard unconscious.

The sight of Sarah seemed to fuel the boy's rage. He snatched a sword from a fallen guard and charged at her. But before he could reach Sarah, Captain Brown intervened, effortlessly blocking the attack with just two fingers. The guards quickly surrounded the boy, pinning him to the ground as he struggled in vain.

Ela rushed to Shirou's side, freeing him from the guards' grasp and covering his mouth to prevent any outbursts that might betray them to Captain Brown.

"Well, well, perhaps there's a rat in our midst. Tell me, young one, why do you assault our knights, and what business does a child have in the knight's shelter?" Captain Brown inquired, his deep voice filled with surprise and a hint of admiration for the boy's prowess.

"He's with me. I found him after the war's end, unconscious. I thought he might need medical attention," Sarah quickly interjected, hoping to deflect any suspicion.

"I don't recall receiving any reports of you finding a child post-war, Sarah," he said, his suspicion growing as he continued to scrutinize Shirou. "A boy capable of defeating guards with such ease could indeed become a great...

With a steadfast look, Sarah spoke, "This child will be under my care at my orphanage. I have no plans to relinquish him to you, nor do I desire to join the knights. Please accept my refusal of your offer."

Captain Brown faced Ela , who had a grave expression. "Regrettably, Captain, I must also decline. My village has suffered greatly in the war, and I am compelled to assist in its rebuilding."

A brief silence fell before Captain Brown gave a thoughtful nod. "To lose two of our strongest champions is regrettable, but I respect your choices," he said. His gaze shifted from Sarah to Shirou, recognizing their determination.

"Ensure Sarah and Ela are escorted to their home with care," he instructed the guard. "Make their journey comfortable. As for the matters of the king, they will be managed." With those words, Captain Brown withdrew to his tent.